No fewer than 46 people died in 122 crashes between January and now, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Sagamu Unit Command, disclosed on Tuesday.
The Sagamu Unit Commander of FRSC, Taofiq Iyanda, confirmed the figures at the flag-off of the Command’s 2021 Ember Months Campaign at Kara Motor Parks, Sagamu, Ogun State.
Iyanda, who said the statistics were from the first quarter of 2021 to date, added that the crashes were recorded on the Sagamu axis.
He explained further that 289 other motorists and passengers sustained various degrees of injury while 392 were rescued from the 122 crashes in the period under review.
Iyanda, an assistant corps commander, attributed most of the crashes that occurred at night to speed limit violations and infractions of other traffic regulations.
“The enforcement of traffic regulations and robust public enlightenment against traffic infractions are necessary to stem cases of an accident during, before, and after the Ember months, “he said.
With increased vehicular and human movements during the ember months, Iyanda stressed the need for an intensive campaign.
He enjoined motorists to maintain safe speed limits and shun night travels in order to enjoy a quality road experience.
Owing to the ongoing rehabilitation works embarked by the federal and state governments on the Sagamu axis,
the unit commander advised motorists to exercise patience at construction zones.
To minimize crashes, Mr. Ahmed Umar, Ogun Sector Commander of FRSC, had earlier cautioned motorists against dangerous driving and the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel.
Umar, represented by Mr. Gbadebo Adeniyi, FRSC Sector Logistics Officer in Ogun, also urged motorists against excessive speeding and night travels to prevent mishaps on our highways.
“We are also urging motorists to refrain from overtaking at sharp corners to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and property,” he said.
